Rhode Island Red chickens are an iconic American breed. This barnyard hen is an excellent brown egg producer with a friendly personality and has much to offer the backyard flock owner.
History
This breed was first developed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the nineteenth century by crossing Brown Leghorns with Javas, Malays, and Cochins. Although no one knows who created the first Rhode Island Reds, this breed soon increased in popularity nationwide. In the early twentieth century, the Rhode Island Red made its way to England, where it was met with great enthusiasm.
The breed was first admitted into the American Poultry Association in 1904.
Appearance
Rhode Island Red chickens come in one color: red. Hens sport dark red feathers, with some individuals appearing almost black. Tail feathers are black, giving these beauties an eye-catching appearance. As with all red chicken breeds, no two hens are colored the same. In general, roosters’ feathers are slightly darker than the females.
Both hens and roosters have single combs and red ear lobes. The beaks are a reddish horn color, while the feet and shanks are yellow. The toes and sides of the shanks may also have red markings.
Today’s Rhode Island Reds are slightly paler in color and smaller in size than the original birds. However, heritage strains of Rhode Island Reds are available for purchase as Heritage Rhode Island Reds at a local hatchery or through a breeder.
Rooster Weight: 8.6 pounds
Hen Weight: 6.6 pounds
Production
The Rhode Island Red is an excellent egg producer, with egg colors ranging from light to dark brown. Each hen produces an average of 4-6 large/extra large eggs weekly. (An average of 260-300 eggs annually).
Hens of this breed produce eggs for two years before production begins to slow. However, exceptional egg-layers may lay a couple of eggs each spring for ten years.
Known as dual-purpose chickens, these birds can be raised for meat and eggs. Some small-scale farms raise the pullets for eggs and cockerels for beef, but these days, Rhode Island Red chickens have been bred smaller and are usually kept for eggs rather than meat production.
Temperament
Hens are active and confident and dominate the top of the pecking order in a mixed flock. While they can bully other more docile breeds, if kept happy, most Rhode Island Reds will find their way to the top due to their confident nature, not their bullying habits.
When handled frequently, these hens are friendly and love to snuggle on their favorite human’s lap. They are energetic, curious, docile, and sweet, making them an excellent addition to the family.
Rhode Island Red hens are ideal pets, although their food-motivated personality may make them less ideal for families with small children. Because of their love of food, they are more apt to peck at your hands than other breeds, so care should be taken to discourage this behavior.
Roosters are usually more aggressive than other breeds, so they may not be the best option for individuals seeking a pet rooster. However, roosters are individuals, and some do make excellent pets.
Life Expectancy
The Rhode Island Red chicken’s average life expectancy depends on the quality of nutrition fed and the strain. Feed hens a complete layer ration supplemented with probiotics, prebiotics, and herbs to help them live longer, healthier lives. When kept safe from predators, the average lifespan of production strains is about five to eight years (the average lifespan of most backyard chickens), while heritage strains average 9-10 years. Some hens may live as long as fifteen years.
Health Concerns
Rhode Island Red chickens are known to be quite robust and hardy, although they should be checked regularly for lice, mites, and internal parasites.
Like other high-producing breeds, hens of this breed can be prone to several severe egg-laying disorders, such as egg yolk peritonitis, egg binding, and ovarian cancer. Egg production should be monitored closely. Take your hen to a qualified veterinarian at the first sign of an egg-laying disorder.
Due to their extra large combs and wattles, roosters of this breed are susceptible to getting frostbite. During the winter months, protect the combs and wattles by rubbing a little coconut oil over these sensitive areas. Extra caution must be used to ensure that the feathers do not get coconut oil on them, as the oil could damage them.
Keep hens and roosters inside their coop whenever temperatures dip below 30°F to keep anyone from developing frostbite. Like all clean-legged fowl, don’t forget to check the toes for frostbite.
Fun Facts
- Golden Comet hens are often referred to as Rhode Island Red hens. Golden Comets have red and white feathers whereas Rhode Island Reds have red and black feathers.
- Rhode Island Reds are one of the most popular chickens kept for egg production worldwide.
- Golden Comets chicks are crosses between Rhode Island Red roosters and White Leghorn hens.
- Rhode Island Red hens are seen frequently at petting zoos due to their friendly disposition.
The Rhode Island Red is as American as its name depicts. With their friendly personalities and excellent egg production, it’s easy to see how they have grown in popularity and will for years to come.
This article about Rhode Island Red chickens was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.
